1958 BMW 503 vs. 2006 BMW 316
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 48 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 25 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2006 BMW 316. 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2006 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
