1988 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 9 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), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra.
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, 1988 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Buick Electra | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Electra | Firebird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |