1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 171 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1970 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2730 mm |
