1971 AC 428 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1972 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 223 kg more than 1971 AC 428.
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, 1971 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1971 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1971 AC 428 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:
1971 AC 428 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | AC | Pontiac |
Model | 428 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7003 cc | 6598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 298 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 639 Nm | 434 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1653 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |