1994 BMW 840 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1994 BMW 840 is newer by 35 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 840 weights approximately 240 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, 1994 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 840 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 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 | 63 L | 75 L |
