1959 BMW 503 vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 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, 2012 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 458 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1455 mm |
