1997 Ford F-150 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Ford F-150 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Ford F-150. (256 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford F-150. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-150 weights approximately 539 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1997 Ford F-150 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-150 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Ford F-150 (467 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-150 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | F-150 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5406 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
