1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1977 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1977 Nissan Skyline 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 Nissan Skyline (135 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Nissan Skyline 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 481 kg more than 1977 Nissan Skyline.
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, 1977 Nissan Skyline, 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Nissan Skyline. (180 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1977 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Bel Air | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2620 mm |
