2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 721 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Exige | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
