1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota 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 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota 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 201 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
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, 2008 Dodge Dakota, 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota 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 | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Bel Air | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3340 mm |
