1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1971 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 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 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
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) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Bel Air | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 4726 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2780 mm |
