1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 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 7 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 11 kg more than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Plymouth |
| Model | Bel Air | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2700 mm |
