1988 BMW M5 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 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 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 233 kg more than 1959 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 253 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 | 1733 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
