2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 28 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. (198 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 159 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
