2009 BMW 318 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 53 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, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar.
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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 2730 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
