1997 Ford Contour vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 282 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
