1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 666 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7456 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2210 mm |
