1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Porsche 911
To start off, 2001 Porsche 911 is newer by 22 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, 2001 Porsche 911 (315 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 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 280 kg more than 2001 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Porsche 911. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Porsche 911. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2001 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 285 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2360 mm |
