1978 Peugeot 305 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Peugeot 305. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Peugeot 305 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Peugeot 305. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Peugeot 305. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 495 kg more than 1978 Peugeot 305. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Peugeot 305. (132 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Peugeot 305.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Peugeot 305 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Peugeot | Pontiac |
| Model | 305 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1548 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
