1974 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 187 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1974 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1974 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Impala | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Impala | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2570 mm |
