1988 Seat Marbella vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Seat Marbella 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 123 more horse power than 1988 Seat Marbella. (35 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 916 kg more than 1988 Seat Marbella. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Seat Marbella, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Seat Marbella. (56 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Seat Marbella.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Seat Marbella | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Seat | Pontiac |
| Model | Marbella | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 56 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2750 mm |
