2002 Dodge Stratus vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Dodge Stratus 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Stratus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 205 kg more than 2002 Dodge Stratus. 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, 2002 Dodge Stratus, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Stratus | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Stratus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
