2001 Ford Mustang vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 355 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mustang. (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 76 L |
