1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 69 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1527 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 76 L |
