1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane 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 47 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 263 kg more than 2003 Renault Megane. 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 Renault Megane, 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 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2003 Renault Megane 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 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Megane |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.9:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
