1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2011 Toyota Matrix
To start off, 2011 Toyota Matrix 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 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Matrix (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Matrix 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, 2011 Toyota Matrix, 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Matrix. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Matrix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2011 Toyota Matrix | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Bel Air | Matrix |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1549 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 50 L |
