1957 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 20 kg more than 1957 BMW 503. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 503 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 503 | Century |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
