1980 BMW M1 vs. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1980 BMW M1 is newer by 27 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, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 67 kg more than 1980 BMW M1.
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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M1 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 262 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2930 mm |
