2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 47 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | 7 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2930 mm |
