2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (190 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 102 kg more than 2004 Ford Mustang.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 76 L |
