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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Escape (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 352 kg more than 2006 Ford Escape.
Because 2006 Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape 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 62 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 | 2998 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1596 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
