2008 Ford E-150 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford E-150 is newer by 30 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, 2008 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 508 kg more than 2008 Ford E-150.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford E-150. (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford E-150.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford E-150 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | E-150 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2750 mm |
