2003 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 24 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, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (260 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 677 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.
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 Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Tahoe | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4807 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2262 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
