2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 527 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet SSR has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet SSR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | SSR | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 79 L |
