1957 BMW 503 vs. 1988 Honda Legend
To start off, 1988 Honda Legend is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Legend (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend.
Because 1957 BMW 503 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Honda Legend (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1988 Honda Legend | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 503 | Legend |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
