1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 502 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 54 L |
