2003 BMW M3 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. Both 2003 BMW M3 and 1963 BMW 502 are equipped with a 3,168 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 502 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
