1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 710 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 76 L |
