2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 29 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 481 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 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 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 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 | 1596 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
