1954 Bristol 405 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 230 kg more than 1954 Bristol 405. 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 405 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 405 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
