1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 86 kg more than 1985 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
