1959 BMW 503 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 255 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 SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 503 | SL |
Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |