1999 Audi S8 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 26 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, 1999 Audi S8 (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 165 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.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 will offer significantly more control. 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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S8. (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | S8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
