1958 BMW 503 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 1958 BMW 503 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1958 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 503 | 98 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3210 mm |
