2000 Ford Focus vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Ford Focus 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 56 more horse power than 2000 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 453 kg more than 2000 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2000 Ford Focus, 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 254 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Focus. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Focus 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 Ford Focus | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
