2001 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Astro 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Astro. (183 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 310 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2001 Chevrolet Astro 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, 2001 Chevrolet Astro 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Astro. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Astro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Astro | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Astro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
