2004 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Fiesta 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 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 46 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 365 kg more than 2004 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2004 Ford Fiesta, 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 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
