1959 BMW 503 vs. 2002 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2002 TVR Speed 12 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 651 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 498 kg more than 2002 TVR Speed 12.
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 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 659 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2002 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 503 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| 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 | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 57 L |
