1973 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 196 more horse power than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 616 kg more than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |
