1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1969 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1969 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP) has 95 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen 1600.
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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1969 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bel Air | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 40 L |
