1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1970 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 795 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Maserati | Pontiac |
| Model | 450 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1585 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
