2002 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Pathfinder (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 325 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. (359 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Pathfinder.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Pathfinder | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Pathfinder | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
