1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 270 kg more than 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk. 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk has automatic transmission and 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has manual transmission. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Studebaker |
| Model | Bel Air | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3070 mm |
