1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, 1996 Proton 400 is newer by 17 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 126 more horse power than 1996 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 655 kg more than 1996 Proton 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Proton 400. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Proton 400 has manual transmission. 1996 Proton 400 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 | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Proton |
| Model | Firebird | 400 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
