2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 23 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 160 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
