2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 6,995 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (505 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 289 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
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. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6995 cc | 4343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 505 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2930 mm |
