1997 Rover 400 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Rover 400 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1997 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 476 kg more than 1997 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 400, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Rover 400. (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Rover 400 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Rover | Pontiac |
| Model | 400 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
