2008 Cadillac STS vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Cadillac STS is newer by 36 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, 2008 Cadillac STS (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac STS weights approximately 159 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.
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 (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac STS. (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac STS | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | STS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1812 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 76 L |
