1990 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 12 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 167 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 164. (264 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 164 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1429 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
