1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 99 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Trans Sport, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Sport | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
