1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (147 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 128 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. 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 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
