2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 23 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster 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, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
