1978 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 11 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
