1966 Fiat 124 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 124. (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 651 kg more than 1966 Fiat 124. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 124. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 124 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 124 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
