1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (370 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 225 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | GTO |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2850 mm |
