1959 BMW 503 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 50 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, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1959 BMW 503 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 503 | 318 |
Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 141 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1375 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |