1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2002 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 23 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, 2002 Toyota RAV4 (145 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 330 kg more than 2002 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2002 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota RAV4. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota RAV4. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota RAV4 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 | 2002 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |
