1959 BMW 503 vs. 1974 Chrysler Valiant
To start off, 1974 Chrysler Valiant is newer by 15 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 3,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Chrysler Valiant. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chrysler Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1974 Chrysler Valiant. 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, 1974 Chrysler Valiant (272 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1974 Chrysler Valiant | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 503 | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
