1959 BMW 503 vs. 2003 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 44 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 8,195 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 23 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2003 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 503 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 8195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 712 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 102.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 100.6 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 | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
