1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1973 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 35 kg more than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Impala | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2750 mm |
