1959 BMW 503 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 335 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 478 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | E |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
