1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1974 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 18 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova.
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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova 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 | 1974 Chevrolet Nova | |
Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
Model | Bel Air | Nova |
Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3869 cc | 5736 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2830 mm |