1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 660 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 131 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
Model | 131 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 200 HP |
Torque | 95 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |