2003 Pontiac Montana vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Montana 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 250 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.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Montana, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Montana. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Montana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac Montana | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Montana | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
