1957 Austin Princess vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1957 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin Princess weights approximately 710 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. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin Princess | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Princess | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2750 mm |
