1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 22 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 6 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bel Air | 500 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2940 mm |
