1972 Ford GT 40 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 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 582 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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 (324 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | GT 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 79 L |
