1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1958 Jeep CJ
To start off, 1958 Jeep CJ is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Jeep CJ (135 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Jeep CJ 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 446 kg more than 1958 Jeep CJ.
Because 1958 Jeep CJ is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1958 Jeep CJ 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, 1958 Jeep CJ (326 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1958 Jeep CJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1958 Jeep CJ | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jeep |
| Model | Bel Air | CJ |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2060 mm |
