1987 Ford Falcon vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Ford Falcon is newer by 9 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 80 more horse power than 1987 Ford Falcon. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 215 kg more than 1987 Ford Falcon. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Falcon. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Falcon | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Falcon | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
