1988 Ford Telstar vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Telstar 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1988 Ford Telstar. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Telstar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 440 kg more than 1988 Ford Telstar. 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 Telstar, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Telstar. (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Telstar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Telstar | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Telstar | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
