1959 BMW 503 vs. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
To start off, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is newer by 53 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur weights approximately 1025 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.
Because 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 BMW 503. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (650 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur | |
| Make | BMW | Bentley |
| Model | 503 | Continental Flying Spur |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5291 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2746 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
