1974 BMW 518 vs. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1974 BMW 518 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,860 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 386 kg more than 1974 BMW 518. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3860 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2990 mm |
