1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 90 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
