1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 48 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bel Air | S |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 88 L |
