1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 706 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 GMC Sierra (413 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Pontiac | GMC |
| Model | Firebird | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 413 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3645 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 98 L |
