1955 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 49 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 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 195 kg more than 1955 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Bel Air | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2760 mm |
