1962 Ford Zephyr vs. 1986 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Firebird (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1962 Ford Zephyr. (103 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Zephyr.
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, 1986 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Zephyr. (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ford Zephyr | 1986 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Zephyr | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
