1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 40 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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 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 241 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 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. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
Model | Malibu | Bel Air |
Year Released | 1997 | 1957 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2392 cc | 3860 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 277 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 90.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 100 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1626 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1980 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2990 mm |