2008 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Ka 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 619 kg more than 2008 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ka, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Ka | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
