1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 30 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 73 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Acura |
| Model | Firebird | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.9:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 65 L |
