1963 BMW 502 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 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, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1963 BMW 502. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
