1959 BMW 503 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 29 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 10 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.
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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 503 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
