1972 AMC Javelin vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Javelin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Javelin would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Javelin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Javelin (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Javelin should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 85 kg more than 1972 AMC Javelin.
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, 1972 AMC Javelin (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Javelin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Javelin | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Javelin | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
