2004 Acura TL vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Acura TL is newer by 26 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, 2004 Acura TL (267 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 18 kg more than 2004 Acura TL.
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, 2004 Acura TL, 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Acura TL. (323 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Acura TL | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Acura | Pontiac |
Model | TL | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3210 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 267 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 323 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |