1997 Dodge Caravan vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Dodge Caravan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 330 kg more than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caravan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
