1959 BMW 503 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 37 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 346 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 190 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 503 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 114 L |
