1958 BMW 503 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 43 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996.
Because 2001 Porsche 996 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, 2001 Porsche 996 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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 503 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2360 mm |
