1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1970 Pontiac GTO is newer by 14 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 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 161 kg more than 1956 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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Bel Air | GTO |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 7460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2850 mm |
