2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 607 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
