1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1978 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1978 GMC Jimmy is newer by 21 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 GMC Jimmy. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Jimmy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 174 kg more than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Because 1978 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Jimmy. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Jimmy. 1978 GMC Jimmy 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. 1978 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1978 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Bel Air | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2720 mm |
