1972 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 258 kg more than 1981 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, 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Prix | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 79 L |
