2004 BMW 316 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 48 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 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 179 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 316 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2930 mm |
