1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 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 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 87 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1002 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 1978 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 1978 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Berkeley | Pontiac |
Model | Foursome | Firebird |
Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 692 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 58 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2750 mm |