1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass (130 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 134 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Bel Air | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2740 mm |
