1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1977 Datsun 280Z is newer by 21 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, 1977 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280Z 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 @ 2200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Datsun |
| Model | Bel Air | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
