1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2002 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2002 Dodge Viper is newer by 46 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 8,275 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Viper (493 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Viper 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, 2002 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Viper 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 | 2002 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Bel Air | Viper |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 8275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 712 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 102.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 100.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
