1979 Buick Electra vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Buick Electra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 129 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
