2008 Buick Lucerne vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Buick Lucerne is newer by 30 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Buick Lucerne (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 476 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Buick Lucerne | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Lucerne | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 275 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1946 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2750 mm |