1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 404 kg more than 1959 Ford Zodiac. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Ford Zodiac | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Zodiac | Firebird |
Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2552 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 76 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |