2006 Nissan Frontier vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Nissan Frontier is newer by 28 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, 2006 Nissan Frontier (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 55 kg more than 2006 Nissan Frontier.
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, 2006 Nissan Frontier, 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Frontier. (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Frontier | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Frontier | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3950 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2750 mm |
