1964 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 AC Cobra would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1964 AC Cobra. (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1964 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 740 kg more than 1964 AC Cobra. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 AC Cobra. (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
