2009 Audi R8 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 37 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (518 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 410 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi R8 weights approximately 110 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 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | R8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 316 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
