1987 GMC Suburban vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 GMC Suburban is newer by 9 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1987 GMC Suburban. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 GMC Suburban weights approximately 644 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1987 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 GMC Suburban. (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 GMC Suburban | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Suburban | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2750 mm |
