1975 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 42 kg more than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Altima |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2675 mm |
