1997 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 40 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Lumina | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Lumina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 64 L |
