2004 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 32 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, 2004 Buick Park Avenue (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 29 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2004 Buick Park Avenue, 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Buick Park Avenue. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Buick Park Avenue.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Park Avenue | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Park Avenue | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1682 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
