1972 Dodge Challenger 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 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1972 Dodge Challenger. (241 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 136 kg more than 1972 Dodge Challenger. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Dodge Challenger. (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Dodge Challenger | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Challenger | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5562 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
