1959 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Porsche 993
To start off, 1997 Porsche 993 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 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 993 (282 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Porsche 993.
Because 1997 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 BMW 503. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 993 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 993 (341 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1997 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 503 | 993 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2280 mm |
