1961 Bristol 407 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 20 kg more than 1961 Bristol 407.
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 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 407 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 79 L |
