1999 Buick LeSabre vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Buick LeSabre is newer by 27 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, 1999 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 36 kg more than 1999 Buick LeSabre.
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, 1999 Buick LeSabre, 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Buick LeSabre. (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick LeSabre | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
