1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 765 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 64 L |
