1968 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette (191 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 175 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1968 Chevrolet Corvette (500 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Corvette | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5360 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |
