1979 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado 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 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 124 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, 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, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Cadillac Eldorado | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
Model | Eldorado | Firebird |
Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5735 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |