1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (101 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 440 kg more than 1976 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 58 L |
