1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 51 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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3.
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, 2007 Mazda 3, 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
