1961 AC Cobra vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 616 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1961 AC Cobra | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | AC | Pontiac |
Model | Cobra | Firebird |
Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |