1988 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 295 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.
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, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Chevrolet Caprice | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Caprice | Firebird |
Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 347 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |