1969 Cadillac Calais vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Cadillac Calais. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Cadillac Calais would be higher. At 7,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Cadillac Calais is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Cadillac Calais (228 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Cadillac Calais should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Cadillac Calais weights approximately 470 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Cadillac Calais, 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, 1969 Cadillac Calais (710 Nm) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm). This means 1969 Cadillac Calais will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Cadillac Calais | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Calais | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7734 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 710 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5730 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 79 L |
