1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1988 Holden Commodore is newer by 31 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, 1988 Holden Commodore (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Holden Commodore 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 316 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore.
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, 1988 Holden Commodore (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 1988 Holden Commodore 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. 1988 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Bel Air | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2740 mm |
