1962 Ford Cortina vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1975 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 818 kg more than 1962 Ford Cortina. 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ford Cortina | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 76 L |
