1959 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 160 kg more than 1959 BMW 503.
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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
