1999 Holden Commodore vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Holden Commodore is newer by 21 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Holden Commodore (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Holden Commodore weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Holden Commodore. (305 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Holden Commodore | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Commodore | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
