1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Pontiac G8
To start off, 2008 Pontiac G8 is newer by 36 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, 2008 Pontiac G8 (361 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 301 kg more than 2008 Pontiac G8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Pontiac G8 (522 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Pontiac G8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | G8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 522 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.5 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 72 L |
