1997 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 655 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 590 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 728 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
