1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 33 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 477 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. 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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Fiat |
| Model | Firebird | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 40 L |
