1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 40 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 28 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
Model | Bel Air | Cavalier |
Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3869 cc | 2190 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2650 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |