1976 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 8,192 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Cadillac Eldorado. (180 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.
Because 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 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 Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1976 Cadillac Eldorado (487 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (434 Nm). This means 1976 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. 1976 Cadillac Eldorado has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Cadillac Eldorado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Cadillac Eldorado | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8192 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 109.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
