2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 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 206 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 480 kg more than 1978 Triumph TR7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1978 Triumph TR7 has manual transmission. 1978 Triumph TR7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Triumph |
| Model | Firebird | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
