2008 Ford S-Max vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 118 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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 S-Max, 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 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max 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 S-Max | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | S-Max | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 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 | 1743 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
