1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 284 kg more than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 1978 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Firebird | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1474 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2620 mm |
