1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Fiesta is newer by 10 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 828 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1988 Ford Fiesta, 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 957 cc | 6547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 285 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 421 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 768 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2750 mm |