1979 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP) has 90 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (220 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (434 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Am | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 310 HP |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
