1998 Jensen SV-8 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 19 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 296 kg more than 1998 Jensen SV-8.
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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jensen SV-8 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jensen | Pontiac |
| Model | SV-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
