1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2010 Buick Lucerne is newer by 31 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 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 89 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 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, 2010 Buick Lucerne, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Buick Lucerne. (321 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Firebird | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1694 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5161 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
