1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1948 Jensen Straight 8
To start off, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Jensen Straight 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Jensen Straight 8 would be higher. Both 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and 1948 Jensen Straight 8 are equipped with a 3,860 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Jensen Straight 8 (130 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1948 Jensen Straight 8 should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 101 kg more than 1948 Jensen Straight 8.
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:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1948 Jensen Straight 8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jensen |
| Model | Bel Air | Straight 8 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3860 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3210 mm |
