1959 Cadillac 62 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 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac 62 (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 622 kg more than 1978 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, 1959 Cadillac 62 (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac 62 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | 62 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6381 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2218 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
