2002 Dodge Neon vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Dodge Neon is newer by 30 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, 2002 Dodge Neon (212 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 447 kg more than 2002 Dodge Neon.
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, 2002 Dodge Neon, 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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Neon. (304 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Neon | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Neon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 76 L |
