1983 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 4 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 11 more horse power than 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 25 kg more than 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Caprice | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3753 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
