1958 BMW 503 vs. 1957 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1958 BMW 503 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1200. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1200. 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 1957 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 503 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1219 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 37 L |
