2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 546 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
