1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 11 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
Model | Firebird | Firebird |
Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6547 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 285 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 421 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |