2005 BMW 116 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 2005 BMW 116 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2005 BMW 116. 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, 1956 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 116 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 116 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 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 | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
