2001 Renault Clio vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Renault Clio 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Clio (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 408 kg more than 2001 Renault Clio.
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, 2001 Renault Clio, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Renault Clio. (207 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Renault Clio | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Renault | Pontiac |
| Model | Clio | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
