1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 899 kg more than 1955 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 100 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 76 L |
