1959 BMW 503 vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 45 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 695 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | BMW | Smart |
| Model | 503 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 22 L |
