1978 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (129 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 362 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | GTV | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
