1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 32 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 136 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bel Air | 300 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 80.3 mm |
| 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 | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2810 mm |
