1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 285 kg more than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Cutlass | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
