1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Dodge Challenger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Challenger is newer by 42 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Challenger (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 295 kg more than 1970 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, 2012 Dodge Challenger (637 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Dodge Challenger | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 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 | 1596 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5022 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1923 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 72 L |
