1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 32 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima 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 2011 Nissan Altima.
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, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
Model | Firebird | Altima |
Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 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 | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1398 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2675 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 76 L |