1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1986 Chrysler ES
To start off, 1986 Chrysler ES is newer by 30 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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1986 Chrysler ES. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1986 Chrysler ES.
Because 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Chrysler ES, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Chrysler ES. (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Chrysler ES.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1986 Chrysler ES | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
| Model | Bel Air | ES |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2470 mm |
