1975 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1975 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1975 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 45 kg more than 1975 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Chevrolet Nova | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
