1966 Ford 12 M vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1973 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 855 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford 12 M. (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | 12 M | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
