1959 BMW 503 vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (245 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 18 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 503 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 467 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 254 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
