1959 BMW 503 vs. 1972 Simca 1100
To start off, 1972 Simca 1100 is newer by 13 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 @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1972 Simca 1100. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1972 Simca 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1972 Simca 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 503 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Simca 1100, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Simca 1100. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Simca 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1972 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | BMW | Simca |
| Model | 503 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 65 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 42 L |
