1999 TVR Chimaera vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 TVR Chimaera 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 410 kg more than 1999 TVR Chimaera.
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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 TVR Chimaera. (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 TVR Chimaera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 TVR Chimaera | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | TVR | Pontiac |
| Model | Chimaera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4546 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2750 mm |
