1959 BMW 503 vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 14 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 435 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1973 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 503 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3230 mm |
