1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1996 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1996 Nissan Patrol 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 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 57 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 316 kg more than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
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 Nissan Patrol, 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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Patrol 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 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Bel Air | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 2826 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
