1957 BMW 503 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 53 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, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2010 BMW 120.
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, 1957 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 53 L |
