1979 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 32 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, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (220 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. (390 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Trans Am | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 266 HP |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2850 mm |
