1978 Nissan Cherry vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Nissan Cherry 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 64 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 666 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Cherry | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Cherry | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 804 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2750 mm |
