2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 26 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
Model | 156 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3177 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 289 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |