1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,299 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 7 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (272 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4299 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
