2001 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 22 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 270 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Buick Park Avenue, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Buick Park Avenue | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Park Avenue | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2750 mm |
