1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 1987 TVR 420 is newer by 8 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 455 kg more than 1987 TVR 420.
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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 TVR 420. (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 TVR 420. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1987 TVR 420 has manual transmission. 1987 TVR 420 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 | 1987 TVR 420 | |
Make | Pontiac | TVR |
Model | Firebird | 420 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4225 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 459 Nm | 393 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1170 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2390 mm |