1998 BMW 318 vs. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 41 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, both vehicles can yield 115 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 316 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
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, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (277 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3860 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2990 mm |
