2001 BMW 320 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 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, 2001 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 320 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
