1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 32 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 102 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 1957 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 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera, 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has manual transmission. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3860 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2990 mm |
