1957 Rover P4 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 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 70 kg more than 1957 Rover P4. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Rover P4. (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Rover P4 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Rover | Pontiac |
| Model | P4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2230 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
