2011 Ford E-150 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2011 Ford E-150 is newer by 33 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2011 Ford E-150. (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford E-150. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-150 weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford E-150. (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford E-150.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford E-150 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | E-150 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2611 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5504 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2017 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2085 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3505 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 76 L |
