1998 BMW 316 vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1998 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
