1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 Cadillac BLS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac BLS is newer by 28 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, 2006 Cadillac BLS (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac BLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 136 kg more than 2006 Cadillac BLS.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac BLS, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Cadillac BLS. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Cadillac BLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 Cadillac BLS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
| Model | Firebird | BLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
