1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 324 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 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 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Sharan |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1794 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4854 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1904 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1720 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2919 mm |