1978 Buick Electra vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1987 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
