1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1959 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1959 Lincoln Continental 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 7,043 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lincoln Continental (349 HP) has 234 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 597 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. 1959 Lincoln Continental 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. 1959 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1959 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
| Model | Bel Air | Continental |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 7043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 109.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 2223 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3330 mm |
