1948 Buick 40 vs. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1948 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1948 Buick 40. (114 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1948 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Buick 40 weights approximately 69 kg more than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Buick 40 | 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | 40 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 3860 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.6 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1626 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2990 mm |
