2006 Ford Focus vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 1266 kg more than 1976 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus, 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Focus | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 76 L |
