1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1959 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1959 Citroen 2CV is newer by 2 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 102 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (13 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 1026 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (24 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1959 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Bel Air | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 425 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 13 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 62 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2410 mm |
