1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 550 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1976 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1976 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lancia | Pontiac |
| Model | Beta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
