1988 Pontiac Banshee vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Banshee is newer by 16 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 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Banshee (227 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Banshee should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Banshee weights approximately 28 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1988 Pontiac Banshee has manual transmission. 1988 Pontiac Banshee will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Banshee | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Banshee | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4042 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
