1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 35 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Corvette | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5737 cc | 5792 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 277 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 437 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 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 | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |