1957 BMW 503 vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 46 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 205 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
