1968 Ford 17 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (123 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 445 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (201 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | 17 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
