1991 Ford Tempo vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1991 Ford Tempo is newer by 13 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1991 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 446 kg more than 1991 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Ford Tempo, 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Tempo | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Tempo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |
