2004 BMW 318 vs. 1957 BMW 503
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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, 1957 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1957 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
