1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Nissan Qashqai
To start off, 2012 Nissan Qashqai is newer by 34 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Qashqai. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Qashqai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 65 kg more than 2012 Nissan Qashqai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Nissan Qashqai, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Qashqai. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Qashqai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Nissan Qashqai | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Qashqai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 15.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
