USA vs USA — 1951 vs 1957
| Metropolitan 1500 | Ambassador Custom | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 52 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 74 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,489 cc | 5,359 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 19.0 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 75 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 22.5 sec | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 1,850 lbs | 3,502 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,159 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 3,760 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 94,986 | 18,842 |
| Original MSRP | $1,469 | $2,986 |
| Value (Excellent) | $28,000 | $30,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
The 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1951 Nash Metropolitan 1500 counters with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Within the Nash stable, the 1951 Nash Metropolitan 1500 and 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Nash badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. The 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom holds a clear advantage in raw power with 255 hp compared to 52 hp, a 203-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Nash Metropolitan uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,489 cc, while the Nash Ambassador relies on a V8 OHV with 5,359 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 19.0 seconds. The Nash Metropolitan carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1652 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 18,842 units built, the 1957 Nash Ambassador Custom is considerably scarcer than the Nash Metropolitan's 94,986 examples.