1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 33 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 335 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (455 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Firebird | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 117 L |
