1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Ferrari California
To start off, 2010 Ferrari California is newer by 38 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, 2010 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ferrari California weights approximately 82 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2010 Ferrari California has manual transmission. 2010 Ferrari California 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 | 2010 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ferrari |
| Model | Firebird | California |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 78 L |
