1959 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 38 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 276 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 6 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 503 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 415 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 98.6 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 | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
