1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2009 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 65 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 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 2009 Dodge Dakota 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. 2009 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2009 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Bel Air | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| 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 | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3340 mm |
