1969 BMW 2800 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 1969 BMW 2800 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 BMW 2800 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 BMW 2800 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1969 BMW 2800.
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, 1969 BMW 2800 (236 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 BMW 2800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 2800 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 2800 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1334 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
