1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 90 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | GTO |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2850 mm |
