1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Bel Air | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 58 L |
