1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 46 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige 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 846 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Bel Air | Exige |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2310 mm |
