1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1954 Pontiac Star Chief
To start off, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Pontiac Star Chief. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Pontiac Star Chief would be higher. At 4,715 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Pontiac Star Chief is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Pontiac Star Chief (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Pontiac Star Chief should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Pontiac Star Chief weights approximately 24 kg more than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 | 1954 Pontiac Star Chief | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Bel Air | Star Chief |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 4715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3110 mm |
