1959 BMW 503 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 354 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 635 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 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 88 L |
