1948 Bristol 400 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1970 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 426 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 400 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 400 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
