1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 36 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW Z3 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3.
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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 75 L |
