2009 Ford Expedition vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Expedition is newer by 31 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 630 kg more than 2009 Ford Expedition.
Because 2009 Ford Expedition is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Expedition will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Ford Expedition (495 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Expedition | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Expedition | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 76 L |
