1956 Buick 40 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 402 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Buick 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | 40 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2650 mm |
