1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2008 Lexus ES
To start off, 2008 Lexus ES 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 Lexus ES (272 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus ES 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 171 kg more than 2008 Lexus ES.
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 Lexus ES, 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 Lexus ES (344 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 2008 Lexus ES 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 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2008 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Bel Air | ES |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 3441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2780 mm |
