1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1980 Ford Laser is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 835 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Ford Laser | |
Make | Pontiac | Ford |
Model | Firebird | Laser |
Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1490 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 459 Nm | 120 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2370 mm |