1971 Audi 100 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1971 Audi 100 is newer by 12 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 60 more horse power than 1971 Audi 100. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1971 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1971 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 503 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Audi 100, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Audi 100. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Audi 100 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1760 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2840 mm |
