1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1988 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1988 Ford Falcon is newer by 9 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 166 kg more than 1988 Ford Falcon. 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 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Falcon. (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1988 Ford Falcon | |
Make | Pontiac | Ford |
Model | Firebird | Falcon |
Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6547 cc | 3949 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 285 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 421 Nm | 311 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1430 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2800 mm |