1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 41 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 | 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Bel Air | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2850 mm |
