1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 1978 Mazda 626 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 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 631 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | 626 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2520 mm |
