1970 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 243 kg more than 1970 De Tomaso Pantera.
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, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (491 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1970 De Tomaso Pantera 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:
| 1970 De Tomaso Pantera | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Pontiac |
| Model | Pantera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
