2004 GMC Sierra vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 GMC Sierra 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 5,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 GMC Sierra (300 HP) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 GMC Sierra weights approximately 752 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 GMC Sierra (488 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm). This means 2004 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 GMC Sierra | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Sierra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5964 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2337 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2750 mm |
