1963 Ford Cortina vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP) has 96 more horse power than 1963 Ford Cortina. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 373 kg more than 1963 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Cortina. (85 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Cortina | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 145 HP |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1223 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 76 L |
