1988 Austin Maestro vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1988 Austin Maestro is newer by 32 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 82 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Because 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Austin Maestro, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | Maestro | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 79 L |
