1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 58 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 567 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.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 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 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Bel Air | 550 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
