1958 BMW 503 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
