1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 29 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 67 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 801 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Bel Air | Escort |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 65 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2410 mm |
