1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 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 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 346 kg more than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 4343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2930 mm |
