1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2011 Porsche Cayenne 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Porsche Cayenne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Cayenne (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 565 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 2011 Porsche Cayenne 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, 2011 Porsche Cayenne 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, 2011 Porsche Cayenne (699 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1702 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2896 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 100 L |
