1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 438 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
