1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1997 Saab 900
To start off, 1997 Saab 900 is newer by 40 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, 1997 Saab 900 (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Saab 900 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 311 kg more than 1997 Saab 900.
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, 1997 Saab 900, 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Saab 900. (178 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1997 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Saab |
| Model | Bel Air | 900 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2520 mm |
