1959 BMW 503 vs. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa
To start off, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa 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 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 30 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 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1987 Ferrari Testarossa | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 503 | Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4943 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
