1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Kia Optima
To start off, 2010 Kia Optima 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 173 kg more than 2010 Kia Optima.
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 Kia Optima, 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Optima. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2010 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2010 Kia Optima 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 | 2010 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Firebird | Optima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 229 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 62 L |
