1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (200 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 66 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Lumina | Firebird |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
Torque | 311 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |