1959 BMW 503 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 242 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 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
1959 BMW 503 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
Make | BMW | Lexus |
Model | 503 | IS |
Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 204 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1742 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4633 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1801 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1415 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2731 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |