1987 Zastava Yugo vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Zastava Yugo 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1987 Zastava Yugo. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Zastava Yugo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 646 kg more than 1987 Zastava Yugo. 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, 1987 Zastava Yugo, 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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Zastava Yugo. (108 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Zastava Yugo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Zastava Yugo | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Zastava | Pontiac |
| Model | Yugo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1372 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
