2000 Citroen Xsara vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Citroen Xsara is newer by 21 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 458 kg more than 2000 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Citroen Xsara | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | Xsara | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1138 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 76 L |
