1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2011 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2011 Ford Falcon is newer by 55 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Falcon 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, 2011 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Falcon 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 | 2011 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Bel Air | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 68 L |
