2004 BMW 318 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 41 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. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 502 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 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 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |
