1958 BMW 503 vs. 1988 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva 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, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 BMW 503. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 1988 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 503 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 43 L |
