1959 Holden FE vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Holden FE would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1959 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 548 kg more than 1959 Holden FE. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Holden FE. (150 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Holden FE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Holden FE | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | FE | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2166 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
