1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1977 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 371 kg more than 1951 Bristol 401. 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 401 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1977 |
| 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 | 72 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 |
| 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 |
