1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 25 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 33 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 76 L |
