2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (264 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 519 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
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 Taurus X, 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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus X | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
