1979 Buick Century vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird

To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 110 kg more than 1979 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Buick Century 1997 Pontiac Firebird
Make Buick Pontiac
Model Century Firebird
Year Released 1979 1997
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3214 cc 3785 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Horse Power 104 HP 198 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 218 Nm 305 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1430 kg 1540 kg
Vehicle Length 4990 mm 4920 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1900 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1320 mm
Wheelbase Size 2760 mm 2570 mm


 

More Comparisons

Resources

Replacing Your Front Disc Brakes Made Simple: The Definitive DIY Guide
Replace the front disc brakes of your vehicle and save money on labour cost. Read this guide to learn how. [read more]
What to look for when buying a used/second hand car.
Diligence through every step of the buying process will help you find a reliable used car and avoid any unpleasant surprises. [read more]
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform an Oil Change on Your Car
One of the most effective ways of saving money on car maintenance is to change the oil yourself. [read more]