1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 184 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
