1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1996 McLaren F1 GTR
To start off, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR 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 6,061 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 McLaren F1 GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR (627 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 479 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 434 kg more than 1996 McLaren F1 GTR.
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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1996 McLaren F1 GTR has manual transmission. 1996 McLaren F1 GTR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1996 McLaren F1 GTR | |
| Make | Chevrolet | McLaren |
| Model | Bel Air | F1 GTR |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 6061 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 627 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2720 mm |
