1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1977 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1977 Datsun 260Z is newer by 20 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, 1977 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 260Z 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 426 kg more than 1977 Datsun 260Z.
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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 260Z. 1977 Datsun 260Z 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. 1977 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1977 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Datsun |
| Model | Bel Air | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2581 mm |
