1959 BMW 503 vs. 1970 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1970 Datsun 240Z is newer by 11 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Datsun 240Z (151 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Datsun 240Z should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 432 kg more than 1970 Datsun 240Z.
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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Datsun 240Z. (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Datsun 240Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1970 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 503 | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2300 mm |
