1959 BMW 503 vs. 1996 Volvo V70
To start off, 1996 Volvo V70 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V70 (193 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1996 Volvo V70.
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, 1996 Volvo V70, 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, 1996 Volvo V70 (275 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1996 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 503 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
