1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 210 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (440 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 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 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Firebird | 911 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
