USA vs USA — 1957 vs 1959
| Ambassador Custom | LeSabre Custom 401 Nailhead | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,359 cc | 6,571 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 9.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.8 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,502 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 3,150 mm |
| Length | 5,334 mm | 5,562 mm |
| Units Produced | 18,842 | — |
| Original MSRP | $2,986 | $3,280 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 4/10 |
Numbers favor the 1959 Buick LeSabre Custom 401 Nailhead with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Full-size cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom versus the 1959 Buick LeSabre Custom 401 Nailhead. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1959 Buick LeSabre Custom 401 Nailhead holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 255 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Nash Ambassador uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,359 cc, while the Buick LeSabre relies on a V8 OHV (Buick 401 Nailhead) with 6,571 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Buick LeSabre Custom 401 Nailhead edges ahead at 9.5 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Nash Ambassador carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 698 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1959 Buick LeSabre Custom 401 Nailhead commands a significant premium over the 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.