1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1972 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 62 kg more than 1972 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (678 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO 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:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7460 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
