1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Saturn LW
To start off, 2005 Saturn LW is newer by 26 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, 2005 Saturn LW (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn LW should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 207 kg more than 2005 Saturn LW.
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, 2005 Saturn LW, 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn LW. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn LW. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2005 Saturn LW has manual transmission. 2005 Saturn LW 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 | 2005 Saturn LW | |
| Make | Pontiac | Saturn |
| Model | Firebird | LW |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 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 | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 59 L |
