1949 Allard J1 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1949 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 445 kg more than 1949 Allard J1. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Allard J1. (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Allard J1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Allard | Pontiac |
| Model | J1 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
