1978 Ford Capri vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Ford Capri is newer by 6 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 52 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 480 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. 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 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Capri | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
