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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford S-Max (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 211 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max.
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 | 2521 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
