1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 611 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Vega | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Vega | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 79 L |
