1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 349 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2750 mm |
