1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 560 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (433 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2810 mm |
