1961 Bristol 406 vs. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1961 Bristol 406 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 290 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 406 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 4343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2930 mm |
