Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Biscayne or the Chevrolet Biscayne?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chevrolet Biscayne is cheaper to maintain — about $5,514 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 235ci I6 and the 350ci V8?

Across 38 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chevrolet Biscayne or Chevrolet Biscayne?

The Chevrolet Biscayne has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Chevrolet Biscayne has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1964 Chevrolet Biscayne vs 1972 Chevrolet Biscayne

Specifications

Year

1964

1972

Engine

235ci I6

350ci V8

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

manual

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$39,532

0.66 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$45,046

0.75 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet Biscayne — Saves you $5,514 over 5 years (14% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

8.0 hrs$14,880 / 5yr

9.6 hrs$17,760 / 5yr

Tire rotation

2.0 hrs$2,400 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$2,880 / 5yr

Wiper blades

3.0 hrs$1,920 / 5yr

3.6 hrs$2,280 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

4.0 hrs$1,875 / 5yr

4.8 hrs$2,235 / 5yr

Engine Bottom-End Wear (Mains and Rod Bearings)

— hrs$3,250 / 5yr

— hrs

Low Compression from Worn Piston Rings and Cylinder Walls

— hrs

— hrs$2,925 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

8.0 hrs$1,235 / 5yr

9.6 hrs$1,475 / 5yr

PCV valve

8.0 hrs$1,220 / 5yr

9.6 hrs$1,460 / 5yr

Fuel filter

2.5 hrs$810 / 5yr

3.0 hrs$960 / 5yr

Front brake pads

2.0 hrs$760 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$880 / 5yr

Powerglide/3-Speed Automatic Transmission Failure

— hrs$1,625 / 5yr

— hrs

TH350/TH400 Transmission Rebuild Required

— hrs

— hrs$1,625 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

2.0 hrs$740 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$860 / 5yr

Differential fluid

2.0 hrs$680 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$800 / 5yr

Engine air filter

2.0 hrs$660 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$780 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

2.0 hrs$630 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$750 / 5yr

Crankshaft and Rod Bearing Failure

— hrs

— hrs$1,330 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

8.0 hrs$504 / 5yr

9.6 hrs$600 / 5yr

Coolant flush

3.0 hrs$500 / 5yr

3.6 hrs$590 / 5yr

12V battery

2.0 hrs$500 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$560 / 5yr

Power steering flush

2.5 hrs$395 / 5yr

3.0 hrs$470 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

8.0 hrs$387 / 5yr

9.6 hrs$459 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

8.0 hrs$313 / 5yr

9.6 hrs$373 / 5yr

Spark plugs

1.5 hrs$305 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$350 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

3.0 hrs$285 / 5yr

3.6 hrs$330 / 5yr

Cooling System Rot (Radiator and Block Core Plugs)

— hrs$525 / 5yr

— hrs

Steering Box Wear and Play

— hrs$520 / 5yr

— hrs

Carburetor Varnish and Fuel Delivery Issues

— hrs$455 / 5yr

— hrs

Rear Main Seal Leakage

— hrs$438 / 5yr

— hrs

Water pump

3.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

3.6 hrs$231 / 5yr

Thermostat

3.0 hrs$172 / 5yr

3.6 hrs$203 / 5yr

Carburetor Rebuild Needed (Rochester or Holley)

— hrs

— hrs$325 / 5yr

Alternator

2.0 hrs$150 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$165 / 5yr

Transmission Mount and Crossmember Deterioration

— hrs$276 / 5yr

— hrs

Ignition coil

1.5 hrs$122 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$140 / 5yr

Degraded Transmission and Engine Mounts

— hrs

— hrs$228 / 5yr

Starter motor

2.0 hrs$100 / 5yr

2.4 hrs$112 / 5yr

Failing Transmission Oil Cooler Lines and Cooler

— hrs

— hrs$210 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Chevrolet Biscayne

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4

coolant10.00 qt · GM 6277M / ASTM D3306

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SN

power_steering1.00 qt · GM P/S Fluid

rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto11.50 qt · GM DEXRON-III

washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated

Chevrolet Biscayne

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4

coolant10.00 qt · GM 6277M / ASTM D3306

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SN

power_steering1.00 qt · GM P/S Fluid

rear_diff2.00 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto11.50 qt · GM DEXRON-III

washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

1964 Chevrolet Biscayne

235ci I6

Chevrolet Biscayne is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$5,514 over 5 years)

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.