1996 Nissan Terrano II vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Nissan Terrano II 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 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 69 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 27 kg more than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Terrano II will offer significantly more control. 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 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Terrano II has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Terrano II 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:
| 1996 Nissan Terrano II | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Terrano II | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
