1989 Nissan Patrol vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Nissan Patrol is newer by 11 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 490 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1989 Nissan Patrol 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, 1989 Nissan Patrol 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Patrol.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Patrol | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Patrol | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2750 mm |
