1958 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 66 kg more than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Chevrolet Corvette | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Corvette | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 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 | 1404 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
