1978 Ford Falcon vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Ford Falcon 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 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1978 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 296 kg more than 1978 Ford Falcon. 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Falcon | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Falcon | Firebird |
Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3273 cc | 7456 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 301 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 263 Nm | 563 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1676 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |