1974 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 413 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 2012 Volvo XC70 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo XC70 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1883 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4838 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1604 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2815 mm |
