2003 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 25 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 160 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V (529 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Cadillac CTS-V | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
Model | CTS-V | Firebird |
Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5666 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 529 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 7.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |