2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 29 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 271 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (264 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Am | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3399 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1199 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
