2004 Pontiac GTO vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Pontiac GTO is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 215 kg more than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2004 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac GTO | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
