1961 AC Ace vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1961 AC Ace is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1961 AC Ace. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Ace.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Ace. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Ace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Ace | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ace | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 79 L |
