1984 Ford Sierra vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1984 Ford Sierra is newer by 5 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 445 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (216 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Sierra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
