2000 Dodge Dakota vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Dodge Dakota is newer by 28 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 67 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 123 kg more than 2000 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Dodge Dakota 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Dakota. (197 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Dakota. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2000 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Dakota | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Dakota | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
