1996 Suzuki Esteem vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Esteem 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 480 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Esteem, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Esteem. (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Esteem.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Esteem | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Suzuki | Pontiac |
| Model | Esteem | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2750 mm |
