1970 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 35 kg more than 1970 Pontiac GTO.
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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7460 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1750 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 |
