1955 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 56 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, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 145 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 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Bel Air | 520 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2968 mm |
