1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 51 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 5,328 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban (321 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Because 2008 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban (461 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 2008 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 2008 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2008 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Bel Air | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 5328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3310 mm |
