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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 147 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 (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 136 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 | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 6340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 4010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 129 L |
