1989 BMW 850 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 33 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1956 BMW 503 has manual transmission. 1956 BMW 503 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
