1972 Ford LTD 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 LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford LTD would be higher. At 3,927 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford LTD (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford LTD weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1972 Ford LTD (376 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford LTD | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | LTD | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3927 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 79 L |
