1951 Buick 40 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1970 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 115 kg more than 1951 Buick 40. 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Buick 40. (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick 40 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2750 mm |
