1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 39 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 320 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
Model | Firebird | Highlander |
Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2789 mm |