2009 Lexus IS vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 75 kg more than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | IS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
