1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1980 Ford Laser is newer by 23 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 30 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 836 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Ford Laser, 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Bel Air | Laser |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2370 mm |
