1980 Holden Commodore vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Holden Commodore is newer by 1 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 385 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1980 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Holden Commodore 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:
1980 Holden Commodore | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Holden | Pontiac |
Model | Commodore | Firebird |
Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2838 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 102 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 192 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |