2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 41 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 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 100 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 236 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 | 1400 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 75 L |
