1959 BMW 503 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 110 kg more than 2011 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 503 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
