1988 BMW 524 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 29 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 26 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
