1999 Ford Fiesta vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Ford Fiesta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Fiesta (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 550 kg more than 1999 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Fiesta. (174 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Fiesta | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
