2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang 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 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 70 kg more than 1974 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. 1974 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
