1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP) has 61 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 850 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 110 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 755 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 79 L |
