1959 BMW 503 vs. 1966 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1966 Mercury Comet is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 275 kg more than 1959 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1966 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 503 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 103 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
