1959 BMW 503 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 503 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
