1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1971 Chrysler Valiant
To start off, 1971 Chrysler Valiant is newer by 14 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (163 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Valiant 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 206 kg more than 1971 Chrysler Valiant.
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, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (318 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Valiant 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 | 1971 Chrysler Valiant | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
| Model | Bel Air | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2830 mm |
