1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2007 Mazda 6
To start off, 2007 Mazda 6 is newer by 50 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, 2007 Mazda 6 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 6 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 272 kg more than 2007 Mazda 6.
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, 2007 Mazda 6, 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, 2007 Mazda 6 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2007 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | 6 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2680 mm |
