1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 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 141 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 675 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Escort | Firebird |
Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1751 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |