2011 Ford Galaxy vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2011 Ford Galaxy 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2011 Ford Galaxy. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Galaxy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Galaxy weights approximately 65 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, 2011 Ford Galaxy, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Galaxy. (170 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Galaxy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Galaxy | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Galaxy | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
