2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 88 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. (277 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Monte Carlo | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 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 | 1508 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |
