2004 GMC Safari vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 GMC Safari 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 GMC Safari (191 HP) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 GMC Safari weights approximately 197 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 GMC Safari. (339 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 GMC Safari | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1793 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 76 L |
