1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 590 kg more than 1979 Volvo 343. 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 (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
Model | Firebird | 343 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5669 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 302 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 453 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |