1963 BMW 502 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 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 24 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 53 L |
