2009 BMW 120 vs. 1956 BMW 503
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 53 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, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1956 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 75 L |
