1959 BMW 503 vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 52 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, 2011 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 123 weights approximately 115 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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| 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 | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 51 L |
