1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 139 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4392 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
