1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1972 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 600. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1070 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600. 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1962 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1962 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Abarth | Pontiac |
| Model | 600 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
