1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1990 Toyota MR2 is newer by 11 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1990 Toyota MR2. (135 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 450 kg more than 1990 Toyota MR2. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota MR2. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota MR2. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1990 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1990 Toyota MR2 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 | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 200 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
