1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2002 Chevrolet SSR
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 45 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 528 kg more than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 2002 Chevrolet SSR 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. 2002 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2002 Chevrolet SSR | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Bel Air | SSR |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 5316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 449 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 2154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2950 mm |
