2003 BMW 530 vs. 1961 Subaru 360
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1961 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1961 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 1300 kg more than 1961 Subaru 360. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Subaru 360. 2003 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1961 Subaru 360 has manual transmission. 1961 Subaru 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1961 Subaru 360 | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 530 | 360 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 355 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
