2008 Ford GT vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford GT 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford GT (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford GT should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 76 kg more than 2008 Ford GT.
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, 2008 Ford GT (678 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford GT | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | GT | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 305 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 76 L |
