1958 BMW 503 vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2002 BMW Z8 is newer by 44 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 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z8 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1958 BMW 503. 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, 2002 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 73 L |
