1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1970 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (173 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 196 kg more than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
