2006 Ford Escape vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Escape 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, both vehicles can yield 200 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 365 kg more than 2006 Ford Escape.
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 Ford Escape, 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Escape. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Escape | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escape | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
