1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 27 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 162 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 210 kg more than 1997 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 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7460 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 58 L |
