1957 BMW 503 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 52 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, 2009 BMW 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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, 2009 BMW 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
