1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1986 Porsche 911
To start off, 1986 Porsche 911 is newer by 7 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Porsche 911 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 395 kg more than 1986 Porsche 911.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Porsche 911. (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Porsche 911. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1986 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1986 Porsche 911 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 | 1986 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
