1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1986 Lancia Thema 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lancia Thema 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 411 kg more than 1986 Lancia Thema.
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 Lancia Thema, 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Bel Air | Thema |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2710 mm |
