1959 BMW 503 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 21 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 86 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1959 BMW 503 | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 503 | Jetta |
Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 141 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 865 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |