1959 BMW 503 vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 42 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, 2001 Opel Astra (142 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
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, 2001 Opel Astra, 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 503 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94.6 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 52 L |
