1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1987 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1987 Nissan Santana is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1987 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 680 kg more than 1987 Nissan Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Santana, 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Nissan Santana. (143 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 1987 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Santana |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |
