1990 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 365 kg more than 1971 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. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Chevrolet Caprice | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
