1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 483 kg more than 1978 Triumph TR7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Triumph |
| Model | Firebird | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2170 mm |
