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 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP @ 4000 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 531 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
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 | 1399 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.8 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1676 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 | 43 L | 64 L |
