1958 BMW 503 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 51 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 337 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 230 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 475 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
