1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Ford Focus 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 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 125 more horse power than 2012 Ford Focus. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 277 kg more than 2012 Ford Focus. 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 Ford Focus, 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Focus. (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Firebird | Focus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1319 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1824 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 47 L |
