2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 35 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 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 613 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Shelby GT 500 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5409 cc | 5792 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 500 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 651 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |