1997 Acura NSX vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 1997 Acura NSX is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Acura 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 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Acura NSX | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 503 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2840 mm |
