1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 52 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (612 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 497 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 44 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (596 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Bel Air | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 6162 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 612 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 596 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2690 mm |
