2006 Fiat Croma vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Fiat Croma 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Croma. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Croma.
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, 2006 Fiat Croma, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Croma. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Croma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Croma | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Croma | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
