1957 Ford 17M vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford 17M would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1957 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 490 kg more than 1957 Ford 17M. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford 17M. (129 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford 17M. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1957 Ford 17M has manual transmission. 1957 Ford 17M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford 17M | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | 17M | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
