1979 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 480 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1971 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 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. (298 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Cadillac Eldorado | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
