1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 19 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 235 kg more than 1997 Ferrari F355.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ferrari F355.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | F355 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2750 mm |
