1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 457 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
