1999 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 20 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 4,012 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (208 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 455 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. (325 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mountaineer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4012 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
