1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 377 kg more than 2011 Kia Rio.
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 Rio, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Rio |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
