1957 BMW 503 vs. 2011 BMW 740
To start off, 2011 BMW 740 is newer by 54 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, 2011 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 740 weights approximately 510 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, 2011 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 2011 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
