1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 217 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
