2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 498 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2750 mm |
