2002 Renault Megane vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Renault Megane is newer by 24 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2002 Renault Megane. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 125 kg more than 2002 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Renault Megane, 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 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Renault Megane. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Renault Megane | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Renault | Pontiac |
| Model | Megane | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
