1988 BMW 730 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 1988 BMW 730 is newer by 32 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, 1988 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 730 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1956 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, 1988 BMW 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
