1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Dodge Mirada is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (146 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 104 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Mirada | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2750 mm |
