2006 BMW M3 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 43 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1963 BMW 502. 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 502 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1963 |
| 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 | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
