1996 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 18 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 6,276 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro (435 HP) has 310 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 283 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Camaro.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro (576 Nm) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm). This means 1996 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Camaro | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Camaro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6276 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 1 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 125 HP |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 276 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
