1959 BMW 503 vs. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 43 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 20 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.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 503 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 117 L |
