1956 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 5,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Cadillac Eldorado. (185 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 500 kg more than 1978 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Cadillac Eldorado | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2085 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3280 mm | 2750 mm |
