1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 415 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2329 mm |
