1989 Daihatsu Applause vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Daihatsu Applause is newer by 10 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 555 kg more than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. 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, 1989 Daihatsu Applause, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Daihatsu Applause.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Daihatsu Applause | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Pontiac |
| Model | Applause | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2750 mm |
