1999 Subaru Forester vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Subaru Forester 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Forester (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 10 kg more than 1999 Subaru Forester.
Because 1999 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Subaru Forester. (240 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Subaru Forester | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Subaru | Pontiac |
| Model | Forester | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
