1987 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Buick Electra is newer by 8 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Electra (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Electra weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1987 Buick Electra, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Buick Electra | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Electra | Firebird |
Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |