1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Kia Forte
To start off, 2011 Kia Forte is newer by 32 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 27 more horse power than 2011 Kia Forte. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 335 kg more than 2011 Kia Forte. 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, 2011 Kia Forte, 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 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Forte. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Kia Forte | |
Make | Pontiac | Kia |
Model | Firebird | Forte |
Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 459 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4481 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1765 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2649 mm |