1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Fiat 500
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 33 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2011 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 591 kg more than 2011 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat 500. (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Pontiac | Fiat |
Model | Firebird | 500 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6547 cc | 1368 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 285 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 421 Nm | 132 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1005 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 35 L |