1972 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 27 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 2001 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. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Chevelle | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5011 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
