2001 Acura TL vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Acura TL is newer by 28 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2001 Acura TL. (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 21 kg more than 2001 Acura TL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL, 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura TL | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | TL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
