1963 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 478 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2570 mm |
