1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2008 Volvo XC70 is newer by 29 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, 2008 Volvo XC70 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo XC70 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, 2008 Volvo XC70 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo XC70. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo XC70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
