1969 Ford Mustang vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1969 Ford Mustang. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 180 kg more than 1969 Ford Mustang. 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Mustang. (257 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Mustang | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
