1999 Nissan Terrano II vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Nissan Terrano II 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1999 Nissan Terrano II. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Nissan Terrano II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 29 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1999 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Terrano II will offer significantly more control. 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Nissan Terrano II. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Nissan Terrano II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Nissan Terrano II | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Terrano II | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
