1972 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 70 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Chevelle | Firebird |
Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 130 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |