1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 24 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Toyota Avalon, 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 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Avalon. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5700 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
