1988 BMW M5 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 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, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M5 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | M5 | Bel Air |
Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3869 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 360 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1690 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2930 mm |