1957 BMW 503 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 48 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 126 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1957 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
