1964 BMW 700 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1964 BMW 700 is newer by 5 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1964 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1964 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1964 BMW 700. 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 BMW 700 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
