2003 BMW 318 vs. 1959 BMW 507
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1959 BMW 507.
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 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1959 BMW 507 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 507 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 110 L |
