1995 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 23 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 268 kg more than 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider 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:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
