1959 BMW 507 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1959 BMW 507.
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 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 507 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 63 L |
