1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 409 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 76 L |
