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 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (335 HP @ 4800 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. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 265 kg more than 1973 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. 1973 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. 1973 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
