1956 Buick 40 vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2580 mm |
