1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1999 Audi S3
To start off, 1999 Audi S3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S3 (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 66 kg more than 1999 Audi S3.
Because 1999 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S3. (270 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 1999 Audi S3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Audi |
| Model | Firebird | S3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 42 L |
