1959 Ford Consul vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Consul would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1959 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 507 kg more than 1959 Ford Consul. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Consul | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Consul | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1702 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 76 L |
