2008 Acura RL vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 2008 Acura RL is newer by 49 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 226 kg more than 2008 Acura RL.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 BMW 503. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 503 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 75 L |
