2008 Smart ForTwo vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Smart ForTwo.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Smart ForTwo | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Smart | Pontiac |
| Model | ForTwo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1870 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 76 L |
