1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 28 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 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 501 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
