1973 Austin Marina vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1973 Austin Marina is newer by 17 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 89 more horse power than 1973 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Marina.
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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Marina | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | Marina | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2930 mm |
