1956 Hudson Metropolitan vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Hudson Metropolitan 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 67 more horse power than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 660 kg more than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. 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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. (76 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Hudson Metropolitan | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Hudson | Pontiac |
| Model | Metropolitan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2750 mm |
