1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 39 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 306 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Bel Air | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2520 mm |
