1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1962 BMW 3200 CS is newer by 3 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 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 BMW 3200 CS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 3200 CS 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, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 3200 CS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3200 CS | 503 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 75 L |
