2001 Acura RL vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 205 kg more than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | RL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2750 mm |
