1976 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, both vehicles can yield 332 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
