1976 Holden Statesman vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1976 Holden Statesman. (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 45 kg more than 1976 Holden Statesman. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Statesman. (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Statesman | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Statesman | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5040 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
