1989 Ferrari 412 GT vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Ferrari 412 GT is newer by 11 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 289 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari 412 GT | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 412 GT | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 76 L |
