1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 326 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Firebird |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2750 mm |