2006 Dodge Ram vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Dodge Ram is newer by 28 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Ram (216 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2006 Dodge Ram 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, 2006 Dodge Ram 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Ram. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Ram | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Ram | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 6350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4080 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
