1999 BMW 323 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 40 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 43 kg more than 1999 BMW 323.
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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 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 | 1457 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
