1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 49 kg more than 1995 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
