2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 31 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 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 478 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. 2003 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 1972 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | SSR | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
