1974 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Ford Mustang.
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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Mustang. (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1566 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 61 L |
