1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1394 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 515 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (48 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Berkeley | Pontiac |
| Model | Foursome | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 592 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 48 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 76 L |
