2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 19 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
