1968 Ford Zephyr vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 286 kg more than 1968 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Zephyr | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Zephyr | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
