2010 Smart ForTwo vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 32 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 75 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 776 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Smart ForTwo | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Smart | Pontiac |
| Model | ForTwo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1000 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2695 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1867 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 76 L |
