1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (323 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Silverado (516 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Bel Air | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 516 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 129 L |
