2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Firebird |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4599 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 556 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |