1972 Ford Torino vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (168 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 490 kg more than 1996 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 Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1972 Ford Torino has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Torino | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Torino | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5380 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
