2006 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Fiesta is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 495 kg more than 2006 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |
