2008 BMW 120 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 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 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 139 HP |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
