1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1983 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1983 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP) has 1 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1983 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1983 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
