1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 1969 BMW 1600 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1969 BMW 1600. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1969 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 504 kg more than 1969 BMW 1600. 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 75 L |
