1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 25 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar.
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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice 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 | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Bel Air | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2950 mm |
