1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 266 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Bel Air | SL |
Year Released | 1957 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3860 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2410 mm |