1957 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 40 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 503 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
