1999 Porsche Boxster vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Porsche Boxster is newer by 20 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche Boxster (249 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 325 kg more than 1999 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Porsche Boxster. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Porsche Boxster | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Porsche | Pontiac |
| Model | Boxster | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 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 | 1260 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
