2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 141 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Solstice | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Solstice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2382 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 64 L |
