1996 Dodge Stealth vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Dodge Stealth is newer by 17 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Stealth (282 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Stealth should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Stealth weights approximately 125 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.
Because 1996 Dodge Stealth is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Stealth 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, 1996 Dodge Stealth (428 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Stealth will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Stealth has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Stealth will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Stealth | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Stealth | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2750 mm |
