1961 Austin A 99 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 99. (107 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 99 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 99. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 99 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 99 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 162 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
