1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 56 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 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 251 kg more than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 335 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Bel Air | 335 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2810 mm |
