2004 Ford Excursion vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Excursion 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 6,801 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 Ford Excursion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Excursion (310 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Excursion should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Excursion weights approximately 1676 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Excursion is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Excursion will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Ford Excursion (576 Nm) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Excursion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Excursion | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Excursion | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6801 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 3261 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2050 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2750 mm |
