1959 BMW 503 vs. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 17 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 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 520 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, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (353 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1976 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 503 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5732 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3100 mm |
