1972 Plymouth Valiant vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 160 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Valiant | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Plymouth | Pontiac |
| Model | Valiant | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
