1990 BMW 316 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 34 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, 1956 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1956 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| 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 | 1080 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 | 70 L | 75 L |
