1959 BMW 503 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 54 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 480 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
