1959 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 210 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 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | E |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
