1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo 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 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. (120 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 404 kg more than 1981 Mazda Cosmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2620 mm |
