1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 29 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 110 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Acura |
| Model | Firebird | CL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
