1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1968 Dodge Dart
To start off, 1968 Dodge Dart is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Dart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Dart (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Dart should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 106 kg more than 1968 Dodge Dart.
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, 1968 Dodge Dart (353 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Dart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1968 Dodge Dart has manual transmission. 1968 Dodge Dart will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1968 Dodge Dart | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Bel Air | Dart |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1377 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
