2007 BMW M5 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 2007 BMW M5 is newer by 51 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 4,998 cc (10 cylinders), 2007 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M5 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1956 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, 2007 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503. 2007 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1956 BMW 503 has manual transmission. 1956 BMW 503 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M5 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4998 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
