1958 BMW 503 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 30 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, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 58 L |
