1979 Buick LeSabre vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Buick LeSabre is newer by 1 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 6 kg more than 1979 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick LeSabre | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
