1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 371 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 402 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 1225 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 76 L |
