1971 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2012 Dodge Durango is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Durango (360 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Durango weights approximately 578 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Durango. (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Durango.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
| Model | Firebird | Durango |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2328 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 93 L |
