1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 85 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Gran Torino | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 76 L |
