1959 BMW 503 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 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 40 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 242 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1258 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
