1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 9 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chrysler |
| Model | Firebird | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 2427 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 101 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 57 L |
