1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 59 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 5,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (360 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 1070 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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (515 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Bel Air | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 2553 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5715 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 8032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1971 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3396 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 136 L |
