2004 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Astro 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 Chevrolet Astro (190 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 359 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, 2004 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2004 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Astro | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Astro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 76 L |
