1996 BMW 530 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1996 BMW 530 is newer by 40 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, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 530 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 79 L |
