1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1977 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (126 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 266 kg more than 1966 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Zephyr | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
