2002 Ford Focus vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Ford Focus 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Ford Focus. (131 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 421 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 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 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Focus. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2002 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:
| 2002 Ford Focus | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1232 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 76 L |
