2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 23 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 110 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166.
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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 166. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 166 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
