1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Audi R8
To start off, 2011 Audi R8 is newer by 39 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, 2011 Audi R8 (525 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi R8 weights approximately 32 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.
Because 2011 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Audi |
| Model | Firebird | R8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 525 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 90 L |
