1963 BMW 502 vs. 1955 Triumph TR3
To start off, 1963 BMW 502 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1955 Triumph TR3. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1955 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1955 Triumph TR3. 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Triumph TR3. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1955 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 502 | TR3 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 29 L |
