1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 781 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
