1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 1957 BMW 503
To start off, 1974 BMW 2.8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 2.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 2.8 (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 2.8 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 2.8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1957 BMW 503. 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, 1974 BMW 2.8 (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 2.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 1957 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 2.8 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2840 mm |
