1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 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 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Bel Air | M3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 63 L |
