1976 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 378 kg more than 1976 Chrysler 1609. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler 1609 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | 1609 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
