1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 35 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 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 402 kg more than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Bel Air | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2950 mm |
