1957 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 94 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bel Air | Passat |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3860 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2712 mm |
