1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Saturn Vue
To start off, 2003 Saturn Vue is newer by 24 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, 2003 Saturn Vue (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn Vue should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 159 kg more than 2003 Saturn Vue.
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, 2003 Saturn Vue, 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn Vue. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn Vue. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Saturn Vue has manual transmission. 2003 Saturn Vue 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 | 2003 Saturn Vue | |
Make | Pontiac | Saturn |
Model | Firebird | Vue |
Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2198 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 206 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1446 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4610 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1700 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 62 L |