2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 46 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
