1974 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 270 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Pontiac | Buick |
Model | Firebird | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1740 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5001 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2837 mm |