1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 26 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 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 93 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Bonneville.
Because 1972 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Bonneville. (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 1998 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 68 L |
