2008 Ford Mondeo vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mondeo (223 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 86 kg more than 2008 Ford Mondeo.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Mondeo. (280 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Mondeo. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mondeo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mondeo | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mondeo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1539 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
