1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Toyota Tundra
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tundra 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tundra (381 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tundra should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 293 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tundra.
Because 2012 Toyota Tundra 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 Toyota Tundra 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 Toyota Tundra (544 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tundra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Toyota Tundra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Firebird | Tundra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 381 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 544 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3710 mm |
