1984 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1984 Ford Sierra is newer by 6 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (75 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 545 kg more than 1984 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (119 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Sierra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
