2005 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville 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, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 83 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 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Bonneville. (313 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Bonneville | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Bonneville | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1668 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
