1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 is newer by 55 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 580 kg more than 2012 Mazda 2. 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, 2012 Mazda 2, 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2012 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | 2 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 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 | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2489 mm |
