1955 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1970 De Tomaso Pantera
To start off, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 168 kg more than 1970 De Tomaso Pantera.
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. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1970 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1970 De Tomaso Pantera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1970 De Tomaso Pantera | |
| Make | Chevrolet | De Tomaso |
| Model | Bel Air | Pantera |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2520 mm |
