1959 BMW 503 vs. 1998 Lexus ES
To start off, 1998 Lexus ES is newer by 39 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, 1998 Lexus ES (218 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus ES weights approximately 30 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.
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, 1998 Lexus ES, 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, 1998 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1998 Lexus ES | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 503 | ES |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
