2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 36 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 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (335 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 478 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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. 1973 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
