1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra 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 116 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Bel Air | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2840 mm |
