1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire (215 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 299 kg more than 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire.
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, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire (408 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Jetfire | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3531 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1297 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
