2006 Fiat Palio II vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Fiat Palio II 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Palio II. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Palio II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Palio II weights approximately 313 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Palio II, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Palio II. (102 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Palio II.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Palio II | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Palio II | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1783 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2750 mm |
