1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 509 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 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 524 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bel Air | S |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 87 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 | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2720 mm |
