1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 34 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
