1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 35 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 140 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
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, 2008 Toyota RAV4, 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 (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota RAV4. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
