1959 BMW 503 vs. 1987 Ford RS 200
To start off, 1987 Ford RS 200 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1987 Ford RS 200.
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 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1987 Ford RS 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 503 | RS 200 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1804 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77.7 mm |
| 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 | 1232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 116 L |
