1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1987 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Gran Torino | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
