2005 Nissan Maxima vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (276 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 108 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Maxima | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxima | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
