1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 GMC Acadia
To start off, 2011 GMC Acadia is newer by 38 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, 2011 GMC Acadia (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 GMC Acadia should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 GMC Acadia weights approximately 642 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, 2011 GMC Acadia, 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, 2011 GMC Acadia (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 GMC Acadia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 GMC Acadia | |
| Make | Pontiac | GMC |
| Model | Firebird | Acadia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1986 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3020 mm |
