2004 Buick Terraza vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Buick Terraza is newer by 25 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2004 Buick Terraza. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Buick Terraza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Terraza weights approximately 424 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2004 Buick Terraza, 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Buick Terraza. (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Buick Terraza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Terraza | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Terraza | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 76 L |
