1978 Ford Capri vs. 1990 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri.
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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1990 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Capri | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
