1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 522 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 100 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
