1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1970 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 25 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova.
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 Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
