2009 Ford Escape vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 630 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape, 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Escape. (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escape | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1977 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
