1959 BMW 503 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 503 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
