1957 BMW 501 vs. 1998 Honda NSX
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Honda NSX.
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, 1998 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1998 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 501 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2540 mm |
