1959 BMW 503 vs. 1971 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 12 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, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1971 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
