1959 BMW 503 vs. 1952 Jeep CJ3A
To start off, 1959 BMW 503 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Jeep CJ3A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Jeep CJ3A would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1952 Jeep CJ3A. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1952 Jeep CJ3A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1952 Jeep CJ3A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 Jeep CJ3A is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 BMW 503. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1952 Jeep CJ3A 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Jeep CJ3A. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Jeep CJ3A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1952 Jeep CJ3A | |
| Make | BMW | Jeep |
| Model | 503 | CJ3A |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2040 mm |
