1971 Austin 3 vs. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 18 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, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1953 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. Let's talk about torque, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 3859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
