1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 45 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable 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, 2001 Mercury Sable, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Bel Air | Sable |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 85 L |
