1979 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 756 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (286 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Suburban | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2570 mm |
