1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul 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 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 357 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Soul |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2550 mm |
