1999 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 21 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 343 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Ford Contour | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Contour | Firebird |
Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 128 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |