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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 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 | 5700 cc | 6547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 285 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 421 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1596 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 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |