2003 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 24 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 405 kg more than 2003 Ford Focus. 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, 2003 Ford Focus, 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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (169 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Focus 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:
2003 Ford Focus | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Focus | Firebird |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |