1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 8 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 270 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 164 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
