2009 Renault Clio vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Renault Clio 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Renault Clio. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Renault Clio weights approximately 214 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Renault Clio, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Renault Clio. (152 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Renault Clio | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Renault | Pontiac |
| Model | Clio | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
