1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Proton Saloon
To start off, 2003 Proton Saloon is newer by 31 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2003 Proton Saloon. (82 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Proton Saloon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 733 kg more than 2003 Proton Saloon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Proton Saloon, 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 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton Saloon. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton Saloon. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Proton Saloon has manual transmission. 2003 Proton Saloon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2003 Proton Saloon | |
| Make | Pontiac | Proton |
| Model | Firebird | Saloon |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2390 mm |
