1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 580 kg more than 1971 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Ford Mustang | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Firebird |
Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4726 cc | 5669 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 251 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 453 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 99 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 92 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4930 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |