2008 Nissan Versa vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Nissan Versa 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Versa (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Nissan Versa.
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 Nissan Versa, 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 (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Versa. (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Versa | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Versa | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
