1988 Ford Tempo vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Ford Tempo is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 320 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Tempo | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Tempo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |
