2005 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 27 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 84 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 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, 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Five Hundred. (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Five Hundred.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Five Hundred | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Five Hundred | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
