1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 667 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 356 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 52 L |
