1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Renault Megane
To start off, 2012 Renault Megane is newer by 40 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 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2012 Renault Megane. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 461 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Renault Megane. (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Renault Megane. 2012 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 1972 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Firebird | Megane |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7456 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
