2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 32 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 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 492 kg more than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2750 mm |
