1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 470 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taunus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
