1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2009 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2009 Nissan Versa 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 Nissan Versa (123 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Versa 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 297 kg more than 2009 Nissan Versa.
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, 2009 Nissan Versa, 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Versa. (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2009 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Bel Air | Versa |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2610 mm |
