1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 19 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 201 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Corvette | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5666 cc | 6547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 345 HP | 285 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 475 Nm | 421 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 104.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |