1996 Ford Indigo vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Ford Indigo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ford Indigo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Indigo (430 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Indigo should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 415 kg more than 1996 Ford Indigo.
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, 1996 Ford Indigo (549 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Indigo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Indigo | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Indigo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 549 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2090 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
