1959 BMW Isetta vs. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1959 BMW Isetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP) has 102 more horse power than 1959 BMW Isetta. (13 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW Isetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 1123 kg more than 1959 BMW Isetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1959 BMW Isetta has manual transmission. 1959 BMW Isetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW Isetta | 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Isetta | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 247 cc | 3859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | single | in-line |
| Horse Power | 13 HP | 115 HP |
| Top Speed | 85 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 1 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 360 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2300 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1510 mm | 2930 mm |
