1958 BMW 503 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 50 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 495 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 478 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | CL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 88 L |
