2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 35 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 54 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Kia Sportage, 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Sportage | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 76 L |
