2005 GMC Safari vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 GMC Safari is newer by 27 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 10 more horse power than 2005 GMC Safari. (190 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 GMC Safari weights approximately 456 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2005 GMC Safari is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 GMC Safari will offer significantly more control. 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 (459 Nm) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 GMC Safari. (339 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 GMC Safari | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2041 kg | 1585 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 |
