1968 Lotus Europa 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 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Europa | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 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 | 610 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
