2004 BMW Z4 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4.
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 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
