1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 210 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Malibu | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
