1961 Bristol 406 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 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 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 33 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 210 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 406 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
