2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 30 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (231 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider 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:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | Spider | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
