2002 Acura CL vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 24 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 16 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Acura CL | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Acura | Pontiac |
Model | CL | Firebird |
Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3210 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 260 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 315 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |