1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 835 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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, 1956 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1956 Maserati 450 has manual transmission. 1956 Maserati 450 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Maserati 450 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Maserati | Pontiac |
Model | 450 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1956 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4478 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 395 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 487 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1625 kg |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |