1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2008 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max 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 Ford S-Max (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 117 kg more than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford S-Max, 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 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max 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 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Bel Air | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2860 mm |
