1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 806 kg more than 1948 Fiat 500. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2750 mm |
