2006 BMW M3 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 47 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1959 BMW 503. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
