1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 17 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville 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, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (484 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1973 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Bel Air | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 484 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3210 mm |
