1983 Citroen BX vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1983 Citroen BX 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 53 more horse power than 1983 Citroen BX. (72 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 706 kg more than 1983 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Citroen BX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen BX. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen BX. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1983 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1983 Citroen BX 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:
| 1983 Citroen BX | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | BX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1358 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 899 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
