1984 BMW 318 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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 36 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
