2004 Chevrolet Venture vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Venture 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Venture. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Venture. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 121 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 Chevrolet Venture, 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 (459 Nm) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Venture. (285 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Venture.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Venture | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Venture | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3343 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2750 mm |
