1985 Nissan Silvia vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Nissan Silvia is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan Silvia (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 275 kg more than 1985 Nissan Silvia.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Silvia. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan Silvia | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Silvia | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
