1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 972 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 492 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Prefect | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
