2001 BMW 318 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 45 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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 2001 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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
