1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1982 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 14 kg more than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (393 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1982 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
