2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 95 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1974 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 1974 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
