1960 Ford Zodiac vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1972 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 485 kg more than 1960 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Zodiac | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Zodiac | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
