2009 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Buick LaCrosse 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick LaCrosse. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick LaCrosse | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LaCrosse | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 64 L |
