1987 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. (245 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 78 kg more than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
