1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 42 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
